The bond directs me down a passageway that narrows quickly. I bring light with me in dancing ribbons to illuminate my way. I take several turns, always following the tugging in my chest. Aether gathers thickly here, and I wonder if this is some kind of nexus for the leylines. Strange markings line the walls, indiscernible shapes that slowly morph into clearer carvings. Massive beasts soar through the air. Creatures that resemble Lunaria look up at them from the ground, while figures with pointed ears hold swords as if ready to battle. If I wasn’t in such a frantic rush, I would have stopped to examine them more closely. They don’t resemble any ancient markings I’ve ever seen.

The thumping in my chest grows stronger as both my heart and the magical bond dance at the nearness of Laurel. The passageway opens up to another massive cavern with clear signs of her magic. Moss covers every inch of the walls and ceilings, and massive puddles of water pool every few feet. I scan the space, eyes searching desperately for her. At the farthest end from me, massive rocks form a circle, like they fell from the ceiling but were blocked by a shield. I run toward the rocks, and when I’m halfway across the space, I see her laying in the middle of them, body curled in on itself. I’m sprinting now, jumping over fallen debris and trying not to slip on the wet moss.

“Laurel,” I scream. She doesn’t respond. Panting, I increase my speed. When I reach her, I instantly notice how pale her complexion is, like all the color has leached out of her. Shaking her, I whisper her name like a prayer. “Laurel. Laurel, please wake up. Please, Laurel. Please.” Tears run down my face as it becomes clear she’s not responding. I cradle her in my arms, wishing I hadn’t sent Silene and Fionn away. It will be two hours before I can get her to help. “What’s wrong with you?” I ask, voice cracking, knowing she won’t answer. I close my eyes, seeking answers in the jittering ball of light in my chest that our mating bond has ignited. My eyes open in stunned shock when I sense that she’s quickly draining of aether.